Great Head Trail

Great Head Trail is a 1.9-mile loop from Sand Beach, across the beach to granite steps, around the open headland, and back to those steps. This is the longer option; the distance includes walking across Sand Beach in both directions, not just the rocky circuit. Allow two to four hours. The mileage is short, but the uneven footing, scrambles, exposed viewpoints, and photo stops slow the walk. Choose it for a compact coastal hike that shifts from sand to open rock to woods; it is a poor match if you want a flat stroll or dislike exposed ledges.

Start along the beach with the ocean on your right. Granite steps at the far end lead up to the trail; depending on tide and season, a small stream can cross the beach-end approach. Near the top of the steps, look left for a millstone nearly seven feet across. Turn right above the steps for the open ledge ascent. For the signature view, pause where the beach first opens below you and frame Sand Beach with The Beehive behind it.

The path crosses uneven granite and continues around the seaward side of the headland. The first climb looks back over Sand Beach, then the views open onto the coastline and ocean. Expect short, steep scrambles and rocky footing; several exposed stretches run near steep drops toward the water without a barrier. The exposed terrain, rather than distance, is the main commitment here. Take your time on the rock and leave room to stop at viewpoints without stepping toward the edge.

Great Head rises to about 145 feet above sea level. At the high point, the stone ruins are from a tower built by the Satterlee family in the early 1900s, with a tea room and observatory. The tea house dates to 1915. A bronze plaque there commemorates David Phillips McKinney, who died at this location in 1969. The ruins and memorial sit within a short loop, giving the headland a layer of human history alongside the sea views.

Beyond the high point, the path turns inland and descends through forest. A cedar post marks the choice: turn left for the shorter 1.3-mile loop, which climbs steeply before leveling toward Sand Beach, or continue straight for this 1.9-mile loop. The longer branch angles back toward the ocean with only occasional views, then turns left at the next junction for an easier return to the granite steps. The stored route follows this long branch.